Way too deep
There are no answers just better questions.
Or at least that’s the way I see life.
And it’s not because I’m a contrarian and contentious (not always) but it’s that deep, abiding sense that we’re insignificant among our non-human cousins, the enormity of the universe and our lack of understanding of what ‘this’ might be (i.e. life) that nullifies and/or negates any attempt to believe I know what the hell is going on.
But that’s not the dominant narrative or at least the one I’ve been suffused in all my life. That narrative is practically monotheistic in nature; namely, progress, growth, success, happiness and being the best version of ourselves.
It was Robert S. de Ropp who said in his wonderful book, The Master Game:
“Life games reflect life aims. And the games men choose to play indicate not only their type, but also their level of inner development.”
. . . Just sit with those words a moment and ask yourself why we have this strong aversion to inviting a more beautiful question into our hearts. Instead, it’s almost like we’re pro-programmed with one thing in mind:
What’s next?
Who the f*ck knows!
As hackneyed as it is, there is just this — timeless, mysterious, unknown and unknowable. But imagine trying to explain that at your next team meeting or (ye gads) political conference.
No. No. No.
Don’t be an eejit Jules: it’s all about rock-solid solutions, a success mantra that we can shout from the rooftops and all that industrialised corporate bullshit that now passes as a sane and inevitable way to pass our days.
I realise that I’m rambling and mixing up a few themes but the point is we seem scared of the unknown to the point where it’s easier not to question the status quo because it might undermine or traduce the very foundation of our being. Or in my bailiwick, when I’m minded to question what’s being said qua our emotions, feelings and experiences, I invite a question around the notion that it’s impossible to discern an answer unless we’re prepared to consider a more foundational question; but we so rarely do.
The other subject that comes to mind where those that I know have a hard time going beyond the banal or glib is death. Like Stephen Jenkinson has said many times, death is a deity. But that’s not most people’s perception. Indeed, there is a whole taboo around the subject and even mentioning the ‘D’ word is likely to be met with an aversion that borders on the insane. It’s like if you mention the word you’re hastening your demise or someone else.
I’ll end where I started. I’m not saying we shouldn’t seek an answer to whatever we think is important to us but if you’re not left feeling that there’s something missing in the arc of your life or you know that the answer isn’t really the answer, then I’d be very much surprised.
Take care.
Love and blessings, Julian